Are you ready for the next Big One?

Editor's note: As part of September's National Preparedness Month, the Pocono Record recruited a Stroudsburg family to test their readiness in the event of a manmade or natural disaster.

Editor's note: As part of September's National Preparedness Month, the Pocono Record recruited a Stroudsburg family to test their readiness in the event of a manmade or natural disaster.

With the help of Maryellen Keegan, Monroe County emergency preparedness manager, we sprung a surprise drill on the Burke family. They knew we were conducting an exercise and when, but family members did not know about the nature of the drill or any specifics.

Our scenario? We put the family in harm's way ahead of a tropical storm with high winds. How would they respond before, during and after the storm?

Here's what we found out and what lessons you can learn from their experience.

By JENNA EBERSOLE

During Hurricane Sandy last year, Jeremy and Stephanie Burke, 12-year-old Connor and 4-year-old Catelyn, said they were without power for several days but had a generator.

Jeremy said the storm did not really influence their thinking about future emergency planning.

"Pretty much out of sight, out of mind," he said.

Our simulation began with a hurricane bearing down on the New Jersey shore that would degrade to a tropical storm as it approached the Poconos.

Jeremy said his first reaction would be to bring the generator home from work, a construction company he owns, since it could provide power and operate the well.

Stephanie said she would buy groceries.

"Probably a bunch of snacks, because these guys always snack," Stephanie said of her kids. But Jeremy said the family typically shops weekly.

Keegan said standard advice is to keep a minimum of 72 hours to a week's worth of supplies on hand, ideally in a disaster kit that every family member can locate in case of downed trees or another emergency that could prevent a last-minute trip to the store. But families also must do what is practicable, depending on the storage space in their home and financial abilities.

The drill's scenario separated the family on the day of the storm, with Connor at a friend's house, Jeremy at work and Stephanie at home with Catelyn.

Keegan asked how they would reunite.

"We don't have a plan," Jeremy said, though the family's first option would likely be their home or his parents' house nearby.

Keegan said families should know emergency contact numbers by memory or keep them written down to carry. One problem in an emergency is local cellphone transmissions get overloaded, so families should also have a point of contact out of the area.

She said signing up for local emergency alerts through the county is also key for information.

The next step of the simulation reunited the family to ride out the storm at home.

Stephanie said the family could store extra gallons of water. Keegan said a good option is sealing the bathtub with Saran Wrap, filling it with water, then sealing it over the top to keep it clean for use.

Jeremy and Stephanie said they could take cover in an area of their basement, and Stephanie also located a flashlight with working batteries in the kitchen. She said she has peroxide and Band-Aids and was once certified in CPR and AED.

"I don't remember it so great," she said. But Keegan said that though up-to-date training is best, Stephanie could probably recall enough to help.

With the simulated storm worsening, the family was then forced to seek shelter elsewhere.

Standing outside the home, Keegan said a good option would be to move a car out of the driveway ahead of time, so dangerous downed power lines would not block their exit.

"I don't think I would have thought about the power lines," Stephanie said.

Before leaving, Keegan said the family should also secure a trampoline and other items outside to prevent them from becoming hazards flying in the wind.

Keegan said the family should also bring games for each child to keep them entertained, and asked what they would do with their dog Border.

"Border is a scavenger," Jeremy said, calling him a survivor. "He's always prepared."

Connor said they would definitely bring Border with them. But Keegan said the family would need to check whether shelters accommodate pets, though many increasingly provide an option, and some hotels do as well.

With the simulation next bringing the family back home, Keegan asked what they would do with food in their fridge. Stephanie said she would throw most of it away.

"I would be the taste-tester," Jeremy said.

Keegan said throwing food away is usually the best option after a lengthy power outage.

Jeremy said he would also repair any windows broken in the storm, though Keegan said reporting any small damage to the local municipality is also important to help secure possible disaster funds.

After the exercise, Jeremy said his biggest lessons were moving the car away from the utility pole and signing up for local emergency alerts. Stephanie said she would look into assembling a kit.

Keegan said she also found the experience eye-opening and a good test of how well the community is prepared.

"I think they're probably on par with the majority of the county, where they're making steps," Keegan said.

She said the family had a place to evacuate to, CPR knowledge and a generator. They could do more by having important numbers written down, but also knew many of the hazards around the home.

"Know what you're coming up against in your home so you can take the steps to protect yourselves," she said.